WHILE preparing for the 2017 National Private School Athletic Association (Prisaa) Championships set on April 23 to 28 in Zambales City, the Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines (AIFCP) Sailors proved to be ready as they posted a 67-62 victory over Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings in the resumption of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament Tuesday, April 10, at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center.
Marvin Lapoza led the Sailors with 16 points including two triples at the stretch.
Rolando Bastida sank 10 points as teammate Russel Laniba added nine for AIFCP to remain unbeaten with a 3-0 record.
The Kings, who dropped to 2-1, leaned on Limuel Mejares who poured in 16 points in a losing effort.
AIFCP head coach Roderick "Ondo" Conda, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said they are focused on the upcoming nationals but still eye to win their two remaining games to top their bracket in the cagefest presented by the Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO).
"Pag maka-number one kasi kami yung fourth place sa kabilang bracket ang makakalaban namin," Conda said.
The Kings led the first three periods but the Sailors came back at the start of the final frame after executing two successive plays.
Conda said, "Naka-break kami sa kanila in the last two minutes of the game after naka back-to-back three points si Lapoza."
Since the region only got a bronze in the last National Prisaa Championships, Conda and the rest of the team aim to reach the semifinals en-route to vying for the title.
In other games, the Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs handed Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights its first defeat, 68-62, while San Pedro College edged Philippine Women's College, 69-67.